AW: UBL 1.0 Beta - Data type issues

["Michael Dill" <dill2@gefeg.com>]

> 		Dear all,
> 
> 		A few weeks ago, Anne sent an email to an UBL list which
> gave a download link where the UBL 1.0 Beta version can be viewed as a set
> of UML data models or as a set of schema objects. A copy of this email is
> attached below. I'd like to distribute the free UBL 1.0 Reader in January,
> because of I think it  makes the UBL models and schemas easier
> understandable for users. But I'd prefer to get any echo from the experts
> whether the data whether are OK or not. 
> 
> 		These views illustrate well the importance of the systematic
> CCTS naming of the objects inherited consistently within the data models
> and across the schemas. 
> 
> 		In addition these views also illustrate a significant
> potential problem: a modeller (in this case me!) can very freely decide on
> what modelling rules to apply. 
> 		Example 1: I decided to build two views of the same models:
> a CoreComponentView and a UBL object name view.
> 		Example 2: I built one model object Datatype for each
> different entry in the Data Type/Representation Term column of the UBL
> spreadsheets and restricted the used CoreComponentTypes just once. But is
> would be also possible to refer to the CoreComponentTypes directly and not
> to restrict them. Result: two different data models.
> 
> 		This raises the following questions for me:
> 		a) is it OK, that UBL data models, which are not expressed
> in a spreadsheet, can adopt different modelling approaches?
> 		b) does the UBL TC feel, my UBL representation is OK?
> 		c) If not: how should the UML representation of UBL data
> look?
> 
> 		Currently, the normative spreadsheets for the documents and
> the reusable type structures are the only official instantiation of the
> UBL data model available. These spreadsheets contain no direct links or
> explanation on how to handle data types and codelists at the data model
> level. The models are actually incomplete and consequently there is no way
> to derive UBL schemas directly and automatically from the spreadsheets
> alone, i.e. neither a logical way nor a technical way. 
> 
> 		It can probably be assumed that some future UBL users will
> want to develop/evolve their specific requirements from the UBL data
> models and then they will probably be asking similar questions. 
> 
> 		I think that it is very important to be very clear whether
> it is the schemas or the data models which are the master from which
> extensions and customisations should be developed. If the schemas are
> considered to be both the maintenance and publication master data, then
> the spreadsheets should become just a derivative of the schemas and their
> position in any explanatory diagrams should be changed accordingly (i.e.
> to mark them clearly as XSD derived). If not, then I suggest that the UBL
> NDRs should be used and extended, if necessary, to rule how to go from
> model to schema. This latter approach would require that all necessary
> data including data types, codelists and their relationships must be
> stored in the data models.
> 
> 		To which TC(s) shall I address these issues?
> 
> 		thanks
> 		Michael Dill
> 
> 
> 	Hi Michael,
> 
> 	I apologize that I am not as quick as you'd like in getting
> 	your information to the team, but we usually only meet once a week,
> 	so it usually takes a few days to get back to people on things.
> 	I just sent your information to the TTSC (and added you to the
> alias).
> 	We are in the process of developing a requiements/scope document,
> 	which I have attached, and you may feel free to add your comments
> 	as well to the list.  This was sent out last week.  I am putting
> 	your tool on the agenda for next week, but some may reply earlier
> 	as I sent them your email showing interest in feedback.
> 
> 	In terms of ccts, both Garret and Gunther have been closely working
> 	with us to ensure CCTS compliance.    As you heard, I'm sure, we
> have a
> 	bit of a problem with CCTS changing.  But for the Beta release we
> believe
> 	we achieved CCTS 2.0 compliance.  I think that may be stated in the
> 	documents somewhere.  I'll see if I can find where.
> 
> 	Now, since the release Sue Probert has told us that there are a few
> more
> 	changes to CCTS.  But she said they were small and we hope they will
> 	be done in time for us to put them into the final release.  This
> means they
> 	will have to be done before the end of December.  So if you can help
> 	in this regard, please do!  :)  We are doing everything we can to
> remain
> 	in compliance!
> 
> 	I'm not sure what you mean when you say " + re-use of reusables ".
> 	I believe reusables are CCTS compliant as well.  They are part of
> the
> 	UBL data model.  Perhaps I misunderstand this part of the question.
> 
> 	-Anne
> 
> 	dill wrote:
> 
> 
> 	>-----Ursprüngliche Nachricht-----
> 	>Von: dill [mailto:dill@gefeg.com]
> 	>Gesendet: Montag, 1. Dezember 2003 22:03
> 	>An: anne.hendry@sun.com
> 	>Betreff: UBL Reader
> 	>
> 	>
> 	>Anne,
> 	>please find enclosed the download for the UBL reader. If you feel,
> it's OK,
> 	>then I'd be glad to get any feedback.
> 	>I think, it helps really for the further UBL development. For
> member of the
> 	>TC the UBL Reader and Editor is free, for the direct Standard work.
> 	>Thank you
> 	>Michael Dill
> 	>
> 	>Dear All,
> 	>
> 	>GEFEG has built a version of its EDIFIX schema and data model
> reader for the
> 	>Universal Business Language (UBL). The GEFEG UBL Reader offers an
> easy
> 	>access to the UBL schemas and data models through its unique
> combination of
> 	>tree structures, easy navigation and clearly arranged background
> 	>information.
> 	>This UBL Reader containing both the UBL 1.0 Beta data models and
> schemas is
> 	>available as afree of charge download from the GEFEG.COM web-site.
> 	>
> 	>The link for downloading the UBL Reader is:
> 	>http://www.gefeg.com/en/edifix/reader-ubl.html
> 	>!!! Please do not forget to choose the 'UBL Reader' from the choice
> of
> 	>reader list box !!!
> 	>
> 	>Choose to download the self-extracting .exe and then run this to
> unzip and
> 	>automatically install the reader software.
> 	>
> 	>During installation you will be asked for licence information.
> Please copy
> 	>and paste the following details into the requested fields:
> 	>
> 	>Name: UBL Reader - Free Of Charge
> 	>Licence: FX-271103-20003-1620
> 	>Key: H1K16-R1111-KN1BL-ZF
> 	>
> 	>As UBL is UN/CEFACT Core Component compliant, the GEFEG UBL Reader
> offers
> 	>TWO Views of the data models! One set of UBL data models presents
> the object
> 	>names as UN/CEFACT Core Component Directory Entry Names whilst the
> other
> 	>presents the UBL object names.
> 	>
> 	>Both sets of data models as well as the set of schemas demonstrate
> the
> 	>inheritance of the Directory Entry Names and other documentation
> remarks.
> 	>This inbuilt inheritance avoids rekeying and thereby provides a
> redundancy
> 	>free environment.
> 	>
> 	>If you have any interest in having a free GEFEG EDIFIX UBL Editor
> to assist
> 	>with the standardisation work of the OASIS UBL TC including
> spreadsheet
> 	>export and import of the models, automatic schema derivation from
> the
> 	>document models etc., then please send me an email.
> 	>
> 	>Please have a look at the data models. I'd be glad if there were
> any
> 	>comments about them which could help to improve the data.
> 	>
> 	>We hope that you enjoy these views of all the hard work of the past
> two
> 	>years.
> 	>
> 	>Best Regards,
> 	>Michael Dill
> 	>
> 	>
> 	>
> 	>Further Features of the UBL Reader
> 	>==========================
> 	>Provision of clear hierarchical tree structures, enriched with
> comments and
> 	>descriptions Availability of all information relating to an element
> directly
> 	>in the tree at the element position Opening and closing of
> sub-trees Ms
> 	>explorer-like backward and forward navigation Viewing of a
> structure diagram
> 	>for a message, or parts of a message Viewing of a collapsible and
> expandable
> 	>UML class diagram of a data model, or parts of a model
> 	>
> 	>
> 	>Notes for EDIFIX users:
> 	>=======================
> 	>If you have already any version of EDIFIX installed on your
> computer, then,
> 	>please:
> 	>
> 	>1. make sure that all EF sessions are closed during installation of
> the UBL
> 	>reader 2. choose a directory other than the normal EDIFIX directory
> to store
> 	>the UBL reader program files (During installation EDIFIX will ask
> you where
> 	>you wish to store these program files) 3. choose a directory other
> than the
> 	>normal EDIFIX directory to store the UBL reader data files (During
> 	>installation EDIFIX will ask you where you wish to store these data
> files
> 	>
> 	>  
> 	>

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